AirPods 3 work well as Bluetooth headphones on older iPhones | WatchGeneration

24/11/2022 By gifsauce 631 Views

The AirPods 3 officially require iOS 13 to work, a change from other Apple earphones that are content with at least iOS 12. However, they are Bluetooth devices, which means you can use them on older iPhones or iPads. We tested with an iPhone 6 stuck at iOS 12 and the AirPods 3 worked just fine for their basic functions.

Admittedly, the AirPods 3 are not identified as such by the system, they are recognized as generic audio accessories. This can be seen during the initial connection of the headphones, but also in the control center for example, where a specific icon is normally displayed by iOS. But these aesthetic inconveniences do not interfere with the use of headphones to listen to music or make calls.

All basic functions are supported: you can stream sound to the AirPods 3 and use the microphone built into the headphones to record it. The output volume can be changed with the buttons on the iPhone or iPad, as well as through the control center. All functions related to ear detection, for automatic pause and to manage which microphone is active, are well supported. Even Siri is available, by holding the finger on the stem, not in "Hey Siri" mode without hands, however.

AirPods 3 work well as Bluetooth headphones on old iPhones | WatchGeneration

What is missing are the functions that are exclusive to AirPods and which do not depend on the Bluetooth standard. There's no spatial audio, no headphone sharing¹, nor automatic switching between Apple devices. Do not count on the integration of the AirPods 3 to the Locate network either, because it is a novelty of iOS 15. So many pleasant functions, but which we can do without on a daily basis for basic use.

In fact, all devices that have a Bluetooth chip can use AirPods 3 for these basic functions, including outside the Apple ecosystem. We won't necessarily recommend these headphones sold quite expensive if it's to use them without the specific functions of the AirPods range, but if you have an old iPhone or iPad lying around, you can also connect them to it.